The Anglican Marriage Service
{From The Book Of Common Prayer 1662 edition}
DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised nor taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.
First, it was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God; and that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord and to the praise of His Holy name.
Secondly, it was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God, should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate, should continue therein in pureness of living.
Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.
Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.
Therefore, if any man can shew just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter, forever hold his peace.
I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.
GROOM, Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
The Man shall answer, I will.
BRIDE, Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him (alternate ancient ceremony: obey him and serve him, love, honor and keep him) in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?
The Woman shall answer, I will.
Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?
I, GROOM take thee BRIDE to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth (alternate ancient ceremony: plight thee my troth).
I, BRIDE take thee GROOM to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish (alternate ancient ceremony: to love, cherish and to obey), till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.
BLESS, O Lord, this Ring, that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide peace, and favour, and live together in love until their lives’ end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee honor, and all my worldly goods with thee I share; (alternate ancient ceremony: with my body I thee worship and with all my worldly goods I thee endow); In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
They shall both kneel down: the congregation shall remain standing and the Minister shall say,
Let us pray. O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.
FORASMUCH as GROOM and BRIDE have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a Ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
The Minister shall add this Blessing.
GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
[ An important point to be made is that the English Catholic version recited by many brides before 1549 and all of Henry VIII's brides, the bride was required to vow to be "bonny and buxom in bed and at board"]
Linear Mode
